Copper oxide‐ and copper‐modified antibacterial ceramic surfaces

Abstract In the present study, copper oxide (CuO) and copper (Cu) particles were characterized and investigated to observe the effects of antimicrobial activity on ceramic tile surfaces. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) techniques were used for particle characterization. A new formulation of antimicrobial glaze was achieved by the combination of two glaze compositions with different Cu and CuO content to obtain micro–nano hybrid surface morphology to provide the antibacterial property. Surface morphology of coated ceramic surfaces was examined by SEM in detail and water contact angles were measured with goniometer. The relationships between antibacterial effect, phase evolution, surface topography, and wettability of surfaces were determined. The tenorite phase of CuO was observed on both Cu‐ and CuO‐modified surfaces. Both Cu and CuO particles in glazed ceramic surfaces showed the similar antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli . The antibacterial activity was dependent on mainly tenorite phase crystallization. The amount of the tenorite phase that was slightly higher in the case of Cu‐incorporated surfaces instead of CuO and hence the bactericidal effect was slightly more pronounced. Although the developed surfaces are not hydrophobic, they show antibacterial properties.